Health for Life Podcast
Episode 1: Addiction Medicine with Dr. Sarah Gonzalez
Welcome to the debut episode of Health for Life, a podcast dedicated to exploring the topics that impact our well-being and shape our world. In this first episode, we're diving into a crucial and timely issue—addiction medicine. Dr. Sarah Gonzalez is an emergency medicine physician with specialized expertise in addiction and its treatment. Together, we'll unpack the science behind addiction, share inspiring stories of hope and recovery, and discuss how we can all play a part in breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction. Whether you're personally affected, a healthcare professional, or just interested in learning more, this conversation is an essential starting point in understanding and addressing one of today’s most pressing health challenges.
Episode 2: Valley Fever with Dr. Royce Johnson
In this episode of Health for Life, we're diving deep into Valley Fever with infectious disease specialist Dr. Royce Johnson, who has spent decades studying this fungal infection. We cover everything from symptoms and treatment to how it impacts both humans and animals. Dr. Johnson also shares insights into where Valley Fever was first discovered, the latest research advancements, and what he believes the community needs to know about prevention and early detection.
If you live in an area where Valley Fever is common—or just want to stay informed—this episode is a must-listen!
Episode 3: Colorectal Health with Dr. Alex Elias
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alex Elias, Kern County’s only board-certified female colorectal surgeon, to talk all things colorectal health. From why screenings aren’t as scary as you think to when you should get one, Dr. Elias breaks down the facts and clears up common misconceptions. We also tackle the stigma around discussing digestive and colorectal issues—because there’s no reason to be embarrassed about your butt! Plus, we dive into the rising rates of colorectal cancer across all age groups and what you can do to stay proactive about your health.
Episode 4: Bariatric Surgery with Dr. Moh’d Sbeih
In this episode of Health for Life, we dive into the world of Bariatric Surgery—what it is, who qualifies, the risks and benefits, and the long-term lifestyle changes required for success. We're joined by Dr. Sbeih, a Board-Certified General Surgeon who specializes in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Bariatric Surgery.
As the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Kern Medical, Dr. Sbeih brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a compassionate, culturally informed approach to patient care.
Episode 5: Endometriosis with Dr. Soorena Fatehchehr
On this episode of Health for Life, we are joined by Dr. Soorena Fatehchehr to dive deep into endometriosis — a condition that’s often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and minimized. We’re talking real symptoms, common misconceptions, the impact of medical gaslighting, and most importantly, the treatment options that do exist. If you or someone you love is navigating this journey, this one’s a must-listen
Episode 6: Fireworks Injuries with Dr. David Bowen
In this explosive episode of Health for Life, we’re joined by Dr. David Bowen, a board-certified hand and plastic surgeon at Kern Medical, to talk about a topic that lights up every summer—fireworks injuries.
With the Fourth of July around the corner, Dr. Bowen shares what he sees every year in the ER, how he compares these traumatic injuries to some of the worst in his field, and the lifelong consequences that a few seconds of celebration can cause. We’ll also cover practical tips to stay safe, what to do in case of an accident, and how to enjoy the holiday responsibly.
Episode 7: Cervical Cancer with Dr. Amin Ramzan
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Amin Ramzan from Kern Medical's Obstetrics and Gynecology department specializing in Gynecologic Oncology, to break down everything you need to know about cervical cancer—from prevention to screening and treatment.
We dive into:
- How cervical cancer is detected and tested for
- The role of HPV in cervical cancer and why the HPV vaccine matters for both girls and boys
- Common myths and misconceptions—busted with facts
- What every parent, patient, and provider should know
Whether you're looking to better understand your health or advocate for someone else’s, this episode is packed with insight and practical takeaways.